ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2226, 1 November 1907, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

WILLO UGIIBY-WARD COMP AN Y. THE NE3V CLOWN. The farcical comedy ' which was presented to local theatre-goers last night for the first time is without doubt one of the cleverest prod actions that lias been brought to this country. The humor is scarcely so broad as that to be found in such famous comedies as “The Private Secretary” a.ud “Charley’s Aun'.-.” and the piece is not so breezy as “What Happened to Jones” and some other ef the popular i modern comedies, but it seems to have an originality of its own, which is certainly something to be thankful. for in these days of blatant plagiarism, and combines the best features of tho types mentioned. The plot, though simple and improbable enough to meet tho recognised requirements of this class of entertainment, is really well worked out, and provides quite dramatic climaxes for the first two acts and a suitable termination in the final scene. Briefly put, it deals with the difficulties of one Lord Cyril Gaston, who in order to escape tile consequences of a murder he wrongly imagines himself to have committed, disguises himself as a clown in «, circus. The whole scheme is capitally introduced in the first- act, and the succeeding two provide an -abundance of laughable situations and some very clever dialogues. -These are certainly made tile most of by the company, and in tin's connection it can be said unhesitatingly that the performance was one of the most notable successes that has been staged locally. It appeared as though “'■'he New Clown” had been written for the company, so admirably did the various members fit into tho parts allotted them. Mr. Hugh Ward Mine out in an entirely new role, and by Iris inimitable drolleries played upon the risible faculties of the audience from tlie rise of Hie curtain to the closing scene. As the dapper little “gussie” who burlesqued English aristocracy, and later as a very uncomfortable and unhappy little gentleman arrayed in clown’s costume and trying to “fill the bill,” he gave a superb representation. As he hopped into the ring with his “Here we are again, here we are again,” he displayed wonderful lightness of foot and gracefulness of movement that were also demonstrated in some dunces that were included in the programme. His ' comic singing, too, was very clever, and he roused the audience to shrieks of laughter with Ills rendition of “If there hadn't been an apple on the tree.” Again, in the closing scene it was his versatility that permitted the effective production of Hie closing scene , which, less capably, bundled, would liave fallen, decidedly flat. Miss Grace Ralotta, also, was particularly well suited in her role, that of a circus performer, Mary Platt. She ■took the part with all the vivacity •and charm with which her reputation is associated, and the songs and dances that were introduced gave her opportunities that she made Hie most of. The audience, judging by its enthusiasm, would willingly have stayed another hour to Watch this talented lady dance, and the duet “Strolling,” in which with Mr. Ward she sang and danced, was an education in this particular variety of entertainment. The old favorite. Mr. George "Willoughby, provided Hie solid element to the plily, leaving liis colleagues to develop the farcical, and as the proprietor of Hie circus he gave a very fine character impersonation. His exceptional physique was fully utilised "for the" effectiveness of the part, and from beginning to end his was a- finished piece of acting. The remainder of ■the cast was excellenHy taken, and there was not a weak link in’ the chain, but special mention must be made of a capital performance given toy Mr. Arthur Cornell as Thomas Baker. Tlie piece was splendidly ■mounted, and the vjaimer in which the circus scene was put on was particularly convincing. ’ “The New Clown” was witnessed by a large crowd that filled His Majesty’s ip every part, and judging by its reception this comedy could very well have held Hie boards for a week iu Gisborne. However. Hie season is limited to three' nights, »'id for tho closing performance tonight “The Man, from Mexico” is to be staged. This faree-comedv is probably the greatest laughter comneller we have bad in New Zealand. Mr. Hugh Ward and Mr. George Willoughby have some entertaining ditties, and the Spanish dance introduced by Miss Ralotta, assisted by Mr. Ward, is one of Hie hits of the production.

The company leave For Auckland to-morrow.